New Hyundai Santa Fe review, test drive

With the new Santa Fe, Hyundai will attempt to lift brand perception and dethrone the current segment king, the Toyota Fortuner.

Published on Oct 01, 2013 03:59:00 PM

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Carried over from the previous Santa Fe is Hyundai’s 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine that the company says has been upgraded for better fuel efficiency and emissions. It uses a traditional cast-iron block, but comes with more advanced bits like third-generation common-rail diesel technology with Piezo injectors.

The power output of 194bhp is the same as before and torque is an impressive 44.45kgm. Two transmission options are available – a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic – and these are likely to be carried over to the Indian market as well. And there’s the ‘on-demand’ four-wheel-drive system which is standard on all Santa Fes. This doesn’t give the SUV hardcore off-roading capabilities, but it’s good enough to pull owners out of any sticky situations they are likely to encounter. For most of the part, the Santa Fe is a front-wheel-drive car, with power only going to the rear wheels when sensors anticipate a loss of traction at the front wheels. However, it’s possible to select all-wheel-drive manually by pushing the ‘lock’ button; but this holds four-wheel-drive permanently only up to 40kph.

Performance is seriously good and you can feel the oomph from the moment you drive off. The mid-range is particularly strong and even with the slightly lethargic auto ’box, there’s enough grunt on tap for quick overtaking moves. There is a bit of turbo-lag below 1,500rpm. But if you keep the revs above that, the Santa Fe never disappoints, and a 10 second 0-100kph time is in order. The tall sixth allows for very relaxed cruising, which makes the Santa Fe a great highway car. But when called to suddenly downshift, the auto ’box does hesitate a bit. The refined nature of the engine gives the Santa Fe a premium feel; in fact, this 2.2 CRDI motor is quieter than many of its German rivals. Continued..